Colombia now requires health policy when applying for visas, and we look at inexpensive travel policy options meeting this health policy requirement, updated for 2024.
Many Medellin Guru readers have asked about health policy needed for visas. So, we partnered with EG Assist, who offers a relatively inexpensive travel health policy that meets the health policy requirement for Colombian visas.
EG Assist has a new health policy offering designed for new foreigners in Colombia applying for Colombian visas, which is a policy without an age restriction.
Travel Policy Features
The coverage is provided by EG Assist, a multinational company dedicated to the provision of international assistance services with worldwide health networks and healthcare providers.
The travel health policy provided by EG Assist is confirmed to meet the requirements for international health policy for Colombian visas and can be obtained for people up to 85 years old.
The Travel Health Policy from EG Assist has 2 standard plans that are 100% visa-compilant in Colombia.
EG Visa Protect
Health Policy for Seniors: USD 742,5 from 76 to 85 years old.
- Visa Compliance: 100% Guaranteed
- Medical Expenses: Up to USD 18,000
- All-Risk Coverage: Included (Accident, Illness, Maternity, etc.)
- Hospitalization: Up to USD 18,000
- Pre-existing Illness: Emergency up to USD 300
- Emergency Dentistry: Up to USD 200
- Medical Repatriation: Included
- Luggage Compensation: Up to USD 500
EG Visa Protect Pro
Health Policy for Seniors: USD 802,5 from 76 to 85 years old.
- Visa Compliance: 100% Guaranteed
- All-Risk Coverage: Included (Accident, Illness, Maternity, etc.)
- Medical Expenses: Up to USD 30,000
- Hospitalization: Up to USD 30,000
- Pre-existing Illness: Emergency up to USD 1,000
- Emergency Dentistry: Up to USD 300
- Medical Repatriation: Included
- Luggage Compensation: Up to USD 1,000
Travel Policy Costs
The cost of your health policy with EG Assist is designed to be affordable while ensuring 100% compliance with Colombian visa requirements. Pricing depends on the plan you choose—EG Visa Protect or EG Visa Protect Pro—and your age.
For a one-year policy, individuals up to 75 years old can secure the EG Visa Protect plan (with USD 18,000 in coverage) for $495 USD. If you require higher protection, the EG Visa Protect Pro (providing USD 30,000 in coverage and enhanced benefits) is available for $595 USD.
To ensure we can support our senior community, individuals aged 76 to 85 can also obtain coverage with a 50% increase in the base rate. For this age group, the EG Visa Protect plan is $742.50 USD for one year, while the EG Visa Protect Pro is $892.50 USD.
These plans provide the essential “all-risk” coverage needed for your residency process, including accident, illness, and repatriation.
New EG Assist Policy Designed for Colombian Visas
EG Assist now has a new health policy offering designed for new foreigners in Colombia applying for Colombian visas with the following features:
All Risk
Accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death or repatriation.
Repatriation
Emergency repatriation in case of illness or death.
Coverage per event
Amounts covers for the maximum of each type of policy for each event.
Differences Between Travel Policy and Comprehensive Travel Health Policy
Comprehensive health policy in some countries won’t cover you when you travel to another country, which is why travel policy is needed.
However, EG Assist and Colombia’s private health policy (prepagada) provide the dedicated coverage expats need. EG Visa Protect is the ideal solution when travel policy is required for 100% visa compliance, similar to how coverage is included with SURA’s private health coverage.
Travel health policy for healthcare coverage is limited to emergency treatments for acute symptoms and is aimed at assistance when sudden and unpredictable events occur, with a clear, verifiable, and acute disease diagnosis. Travel policy is not meant for long-term medical procedures.
This EG Assist travel health policy plan covers a series of events, not only related to health, such as loss or delay of luggage, cancellation of travel, guidance for a lost passport, and many other events.
In comparison, private comprehensive health policy in Colombia such as Plan Clasico at SURA covers unlimited hospitalization, surgeries, medical treatment for catastrophic illness, side effects from chemotherapy, organ transplants, lower and upper body prosthetic, and unlimited doctor visits.
Also, with comprehensive, no referral needed to see a specialist, unlimited lab exams are permitted, there is no out-of-pocket deductible, includes access to the best hospitals in the country, urgent care in all hospitals, urgent care at home, and a private room in all hospitals.
Why Obtain Travel Health Policy?
Colombia now requires an international health policy to apply for new Colombian visas. And this travel health policy from EG Assist meets the requirement. Note that visas are now generally granted for the health policy term.
Also, you can obtain private health policy to meet the visa health policy requirement. Either travel policy or private health policy can meet the health requirement for Colombian visas.
After obtaining a travel health policy (or private health policy), you can obtain a Colombian visa.
Please note that you must keep your health policy active for the entire validity of your visa. Otherwise, the visa may be canceled.
Medellin Guru Visa Service
The visa agency we partnered with has helped 2,171 Medellin Guru readers
GET 40% OFF IN YOUR COLOMBIA VISA PROCESS
The expatgroup.co anniversary offer is now open! Start your Colombian visa application with our reliable partner and confidently relocate to Colombia.
*Offer available until January 30th and applies only to the EG’s service fee.
*Apply terms and conditions.
After you obtain a Colombian visa and cedula (Colombian ID), depending on your visa type, you can also obtain private health policy or EPS Entidadas Promotoras de Salud, which is the public health policy in Colombia.
Note that EPS can be difficult to enroll, and agents normally will not help enroll with EPS due to EPS not offering commissions. Also, EPS requires a cedula, and EPS cannot be used for travel. Private health policy in Colombia can be obtained with a passport or cedula and used to travel.
If you plan to live in Colombia full-time and can afford it, private health policy is recommended, as it offers private rooms in private hospitals, a huge network of providers, no need for authorizations for specialists, and diagnostics do not need authorization.
In addition, if you are a tourist, you can obtain this travel policy for a shorter duration, and it will cover you while you are in Colombia or traveling in other parts of the world.
Features of the Medellin Guru Health Policy Service
Medellin Guru partnered with a health policy provider, EG Assist, to offer Colombian health policy services to foreigners. You can get any type of health policy in Colombia from this partnership.
Bilingual Assistance
English & Spanish speakers.
Online Quotes
Get immediate estimates.
Free Consultations
Get advice on your needs.
Business Partners
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Explore the health policy coverages of EG Assist, designed to guarantee visa compliance and provide peace of mind in Colombia
With over ten years of experience, they design the plan that best fits your needs, allowing you to enjoy your life abroad.
Our health policy partnership is an affiliate relationship (like the Amazon affiliate program). If you use our Colombian health policy partner, Medellin Guru receives a small commission, and you support this website. This is at no additional cost to you. The price remains the same whether you use this form above or the EG Assist’s official website.
Why Comprehensive Health Policy May Be Better Than Travel Policy?
Comprehensive health policy plans offer extensive medical coverage surpassing typical travel health policies.
Surprisingly, the cost for the lowest tier of comprehensive health policy can be comparable to or even lower than that of travel policy, such as EG Visa Protect. Notably, this comprehensive health policy is accessible to foreigners with just a passport and can fulfill visa requirements.
Moreover, it includes travel policy through EG Assist with a maximum coverage for accidents or emergencies while traveling outside Colombia. Coverage extends to emergencies for pregnancy complications.
There are no out-of-pocket deductibles under any circumstance, and the health policy includes emergency care at any of their hospitals, emergency at-home care, and 24/7 coverage for accidental or emergency dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Policy
Is there an age limit for this travel health policy, can someone over 70 years old obtain this health policy?
Regarding age limits, the EG Visa Protect and EG Visa Protect Pro plans are highly inclusive, covering individuals up to 75 years of age at the standard rate. For members of our senior community aged 76 to 85, coverage remains fully available with a 50% increase in the base price.
Can comprehensive travel health policy be obtained with a passport and used for a visa?
Comprehensive travel health policy can indeed be obtained using only a passport and is fully valid for visa applications. Upon enrollment, you will receive all necessary documentation, including your policy contract, payment receipt, and the formal certification letter required by the Colombian government to prove your plan includes the mandated coverage for hospitalization and surgeries.
Can people from other countries like the UK and Canada obtain this travel healrth policy?
People from anywhere in the world, including the United Kingdom and Canada, can obtain EG Assist health policies to support their residency or visit to Colombia.
Is this health policy needed to renew a Migrant or Resident visa or can Colombian EPS coverage be used?
While Colombian EPS coverage may be used for some visa renewals, the final decision is at the government’s discretion, and they may request additional health policy guarantees. To avoid complications, many applicants choose a health policy like EG Visa Protect, which ensures full medical protection and 100% compliance with international medical requirements during their stay.
Is this international health policy needed to obtain an initial Resident or Migrant or Visitor visa?
An international health policy is mandatory to apply for a Visitor visa and several types of Migrant visas. Both EG Visa Protect and EG Visa Protect Pro are engineered to meet 100% of the official regulations set by the Colombian Government for all visa categories.
Does this travel health policy cover pre-existing conditions?
These plans do provide coverage for pre-existing conditions, specifically for emergency medical expenses related to chronic or pre-existing illnesses. The EG Visa Protect plan offers up to USD 300 for such emergencies, while the EG Visa Protect Pro plan provides an increased limit of up to USD 1,000.
Can I get medical assistance in Colombia with EG Assist?
You can receive high-quality medical assistance in Colombia through the extensive network provided by EG Assist, which includes access to top-tier hospitals and clinics. Our plans offer comprehensive support, including 24-hour medical guidance (Tele-Doctor), emergency dentistry, and full medical repatriation to ensure you have professional help whenever it is needed.
Medellin Guru's Visa Partnership
In addition to partnering with the best health policies provider, Medellin Guru partnered with what we believe is the best visa agency in Medellín to offer Colombia visa services.
Successfully Approved Visas
Through this service we have helped
Medellin Guru Visa Service
The visa agency we partnered with has helped 2,171 Medellin Guru readers
GET 40% OFF IN YOUR COLOMBIA VISA PROCESS
The expatgroup.co anniversary offer is now open! Start your Colombian visa application with our reliable partner and confidently relocate to Colombia.
*Offer available until January 30th and applies only to the EG’s service fee.
*Apply terms and conditions.
Medellin Guru's Colombian health policy and healthcare articles
- Get Insurance in Colombia
- Travel Insurance: Meets the Heath Insurance Requirement for Colombia Visas
- Auto Insurance in Colombia: A Guide to Colombian Auto Insurance
- Homeowners Insurance in Colombia: A Guide to Colombian Homeowner Insurance
- Medellin Guru Insurance Service: Providing Colombian Insurance
- Colombia has 24 of the Best Hospitals in Latin America
- Emergency Surgery: Expat Experience in Clínica León XIII in Medellín
- Healthcare Colombia: HCA Clinic Offers Services to U.S. Veterans in Colombia
Medellin Guru's Comprehensive Visa and Passport Series
The Colombian visa changes that went into effect in mid-October 2022 were significant. So, on the Medellin Guru site, we have a comprehensive series of visa articles that are kept up-to-date and should answer most visa questions. These articles include:
- Colombia Visa Guide: Ultimate Guide How to Get a Colombian Visa
- How to Obtain a Colombian Visa with Up-to-Date Info – an overview of all the Colombian visas
- Popular Colombian Visas for Foreigners: Which Visa is the Most Popular?
- Colombia Visa FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Colombia Visas
- Travel Health Policy: Meets the Health Policy Requirement for Colombia Visas
- Visa Agencies: A Guide to Visa Agencies in Medellín and Colombia
- 9 Common Colombian Visa Mistakes: How to Avoid Them
We have looked in detail at the seven most popular Colombian visas used by foreigners:
- Digital Nomad Visa
- Retirement visa
- Marriage visa
- Investment visa
- Resident visa
- Work visa
- Student visa
- Visitor visa
Also, we have looked in detail at three additional Colombian visas, which are less popular for foreigners:
- Rentista visa (annuity visa) – for foreigners with a fixed income
- Beneficiary visa – for relatives of visa holders
- Expertise visa – for professionals
In addition, we have a guide to Colombia tourist visas and how to extend a tourist visa. Also, we have a guide to renewing U.S. passports in Colombia and a guide to obtaining a Colombian passport.
Furthermore, we provide information about travel health policy that meets the health requirement for Colombian visas. And we have a guide to how apply for a cedula extranjeria in Colombia and a guide to using notaries in Medellín and Colombia. Finally, Medellin Guru has partnered with a visa agency to offer Colombia visa services.
All of our Colombia visa articles were updated in 2022 to ensure they are up-to-date and are being updated again in 2024. In addition, all visa articles on this website will be kept up-to-date as new details are disclosed.
The Bottom Line: Travel Health Policy that Meets the Heath Policy Requirement for Colombia Visas
Colombia now requires an international health policy when applying for new Colombian visas. The health policies provider we partnered with offers a relatively inexpensive health policy from EG Assist that meets this requirement.
In addition, this travel health policy is appropriate for tourists who are in Colombia or traveling to Colombia or other parts of the world for shorter durations.
Many Medellin Guru readers have obtained travel health health in Colombia through our health policy provider partnership, including auto, homeowners, and life coverage, as well as travel coverage.
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31 thoughts on “Travel Health Policy: Meets the Health Policy Requirement for Colombia Visas – 2024 Update”
Hi
Im 67 male, im going for nomad visa, i had a bypass operation sept last year, every ok, but what will my premium for the min health policy i need for the visa.
Thanks
Rudi
Hello Rudi.
At Medellin Guru, we partner with the best health policy provider. We invite you to quote with them, and they will give you specific instructions about your case. Here you can consult: https://medellinguru.com/directory/eg-assist/
Great read, now following!
Jeff I am considering using your partner on renewala. I had an “M” visa the last 3 years expiring around Feb 21 this year. What visa do I need to apply for? Is it the same M visa. The online application I tried to complete from the US where I am now, did not ask for health policy information, but asked for many other documents. What is the bottom line on requirements for renewal for me returning to Colombia after a 2 months absence? Thanks
Do I need to have travel/health policy if I am arriving on a passport and using that as the “automatic” visa? That is, I am a US citizen arriving on a flight on the 14th of November, ie in a few days, am I REQUIRED to show proof of health policy/travelers coverage?
Health policy is currently not needed for tourists.
Thank you Jeff for the prompt reply. FYI I’m informing the hwalth policy agent you all partner with because she was not aware of this. I relayed all the information in my original post to her, and she was unsure she told me. I should let her know now because she’s just about gotten all of the paperwork done and was ready to collect payment from me! Thanks again, on all scores!
This is true even if I plan to stay in Colombia for three (3) months? Sorry to keep pestering I just want to make sure.
Yes, not currently required. There is a proposal to require health policy for tourists but only a proposal. But you may want health policy for peace of mind.
What if your travel health policy specifically blocks Coronavirus coverage ?
The travel health policy in this articles includes coronavirus coverage. Click on the blue “Get Travel Health Policy” button in the article and you can ask the health policy provider we partnered with questions.
Do they cover for covid?
Yes, includes coverage for COVID-19,
Thanks for the information. That’s great news.
I am still confused. I have an R Visa and my cedula. Do I need to now get the health policy now required? I plan on getting a health policy plan when I am allowed to return to Medellin. Thanks Jeff
Health policy is required when applying for a visa. Not if already have a visa that you received before this new requirement.
What if you have already been legally in the country for 5 years, presently have a 3 year visa and a cedula but it expires and you qualify for the 5 year visa? Are you grandfathered in?
No, when you apply for a new visa even if you already have a visa you need to show you have travel health policy.
Can I get a quote for a short term policy. I will be in Canada for quite a few months. From there I might go to US for a couple of weeks and I might go to Japan for a couple of weeks at a different time. would the price be the same for anyone from any country or does it change depending where you live? I am a resident here and have EPS coverage yearly. I have a cedula also. I would want to speak with in English as I would not understand a Spanish conversation regarding this subject.
If you click on the blue button in the article it takes you to this page – https://medellinguru.com/get-insurance-in-colombia/, where you can get a quote online.
You provided an important service to all of us considering a permanent or temporary move to Medellin. Thank you!!
I’d like to hear the experience of travel health policy holders who have needed to use it.
– Ease of use
– Coverage issues
– Preexisting conditions
– Surprises?
Hi,
does this medical policye cover UK passport holders/flying in from UK (to Cartagena)? I am guessing it is long term and covers pre-existing conditions? Although my focus is on Cartagena/Bolivar residentially, this is the only site that is providing this advice, so apologies if it is not Medellin-focused! My wife is from that area, hence so is our residence.
Yes, this travel health policy can cover people from any country.
I’m not clear on the V, visitor visa requirement. Must I have health policy if I fly into Medellin and get the typical 90 day visa ?
A visitor (V) visa is different than a 90 day tourist visa.
A tourist visa is a permit stamped in your passport and is not a formal visa that you need to apply for, see – https://medellinguru.com/tourist-visa/. No health policy is required for a tourist visa but you can still get a low cost policy for protection for a short duration as a tourist.
The visitor (V) visa is a formal visa that you have to apply for several purposes such as studying Spanish, medical treatments and other reasons – https://medellinguru.com/visitor-visa/
Jeff, very interesting information, thanks a lot. It begs a follow up question , though: What about tourists who don/t need a visa to visit (Canadians, most EU citizens)?
Thanks
Harry
Tourists from any country can also get this travel health policy to provide protection while traveling – you can get an inexpensive policy for a shorter duration.
Useful information.
Three questions:
1) I assume that the information is not relevant if one already has a Resident visa which did not require insurance. But will it become a requirement when the present visa is renewed?
2)Is this insurance available for persons over 70
3) If insurance will be required upon renewal, will it be sufficient to already have the basic EPS local insurance ?
Best to ask detailed questions to the visa agency we partnered with – click on this link – https://expatgroup.co/colombia-visas/ and there is a chat at the bottom right normally during business hours.
We will try to update the article tomorrow with answers to questions we get.
Your questions are now answered in the article. This travel health policy is available to age 85.